If you’re beginning to explore how to become a foster parent, you’re likely filled with both excitement and curiosity. Fostering is an incredibly rewarding way to change a child’s life, but it also comes with challenges, particularly when it comes to understanding and managing difficult behaviours. 

At Family Fostering Partners, we’re here to reassure you that you won’t face these challenges alone. With the right training, support, and mindset, you can help looked after children feel safe, secure, valued, and understood.

Becoming a foster parent: Struggles & challenges

Every child’s story is different. Many have faced trauma, neglect, or periods of uncertainty, which can sometimes result in a child displaying behaviours that feel difficult to manage. What one foster parent may see as a ‘challenge’ might be something another foster parent takes in their stride, as every child and foster parent are unique. Becoming a foster parent means offering patience, empathy, and consistency to help them feel safe and supported as they settle into a new home.

How do you manage challenging behaviour in foster caring?

The key to managing challenging behaviour is to look beyond the behaviour itself and understand that behaviour is an attempt to communicate a need. At Family Fostering Partners, during our training sessions, we encourage our foster parents to ask:

• What is the child trying to communicate?
• How can I provide reassurance and stability?
• What small steps can I take to help them feel safe?

We provide specialist training in trauma-informed care so you can respond calmly and effectively to difficult moments. By focusing on empathy and understanding, you help a child in your care to feel safe and secure. As the needs of the children in your care change and grow, so too does the training we provide; it is bespoke made to suit the needs of our foster parents, and those learning how to become a foster parent.

Strategies to deal with difficult behaviour in foster children

• Stay calm and consistent – Children need to know that your reactions are predictable, even in tough situations.
• Build routines – Clear, structured routines provide a sense of security and reduce anxiety.
• Use positive reinforcement – Praise and encouragement can help build self-esteem and reinforce good behaviour.

Becoming a foster parent: How to set boundaries and expectations

Children who have experienced instability may test boundaries, so it’s vital to set clear expectations:

• Be consistent with rules – Simple, age-appropriate boundaries help children feel secure.
• Explain the ‘why’ – Children may not understand new rules, so explain calmly why they’re in place.
• Be flexible when needed – While consistency is key, some situations call for a gentle, adaptable approach.
• Balance nurture with structure – Love and care go hand in hand with routines and expectations.

When looked after children understand they are cared for, they begin to feel safe enough to relax and thrive.

Seek support from other foster parents and professionals

One of the most important things to remember is that you’re never alone when learning how to become a foster parent. At Family Fostering Partners, we provide:

• Specialist training to prepare you for how to become a foster parent.
• 24/7 support so you can reach out to us whenever you need help.
• Peer support groups where you can share experiences, advice and tips with other foster parents.
• Professional guidance from your designated link worker.
• External Support such as training webinars provided by Foster Talk.

By leaning on this network, you’ll gain confidence in your role and develop the skills needed to support the child in your care through any challenges.

How to become a foster parent with Family Fostering Partners.

If you’re thinking about how to become a foster parent, we’re here to guide you through every step of the process. From preparing your home to managing challenging behaviours, Family Fostering Partners will provide the training and ongoing support you need to succeed. Contact us today to find out more about becoming a foster parent and making a lasting difference in a child’s life.